Clutch bags

Clutch bags are a shopper's dream. What else can you buy that is innately glamorous, sufficiently practical and suits everyone? The best thing about shopping for clutch bags is that no one should ever have to spend more than £40 to get a good one: pick well and even the cheapest look classy. Coleen McLoughlin, for instance, might be well known for her full-throttle embrace of labels, but even she has been seen eschewing Cricket for the high street when it comes to clutches. The best clutches make an outfit in the same way as a piece of jewellery can, especially if you look for a metallic clutch and a diamanté clasp. Accessorize has this look off pat, and its oyster pleated shell number below is our clear winner this week in terms of style way outshining price. Hard clutches earn the most fashion brownie points this season - both the Marks & Spencer and Topshop versions have a satisfyingly loud snap-to-close action.

But remember, downsizing night-time clutter is a must with a clutch - envelope styles rapidly lose their glamour when they start to bulge. In road-testing the bags we established a carrying technique rule that works for most styles: tiny hard-shells should be held high and close to the body, in the same way as you would hold a small rabbit. Longer envelopes should be held at one end with a dangling arm and a degree of insouciance. Clutching isn't really the correct way to hold a clutch.